There is something fundamentally moving about hearing dozens of human voices singing in harmony and this performance by the 130 members of Brighton Festival Chorus was both uplifting and enriching.
Under the baton of James Morgan, this internationally renowned choir produced an impeccable delivery of two choral works by John Rutter.
Members of Brighton Festival Youth Choir joined the adult members of the Chorus for the Mass Of The Children (2003), their young voices reflecting and amplifying the emotional impact of the piece. Soprano Elin Manahan Thomas gave a delightful performance, full of character and smiles. She was joined by Jonathan Brown, who confidently replaced Paul Reeves as solo baritone.
Requiem (1985) was a personal memorial to the composer’s father, a reflective piece which blended devotional tradition with modern influences including Mahler and Gershwin.
These days, many churches are only ever filled when they are staging secular events. The glorious space within All Saints was packed on Saturday evening and while the audience were not there for religious reasons, this quality performance of contemporary sacred music could not fail to touch the soul of even the staunchest atheist.
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